Written questions by Khan.

How many Muslim organisations have applied for funding through the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme in every year since it was established; and of these, how many have been successful in obtaining funding.

The Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme is open to places of worship from all faith communities, except for Muslim and Jewish sites, which are supported through separate schemes. Muslim organisations are therefore not eligible for the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme. Instead, mosques and their associated faith community centres can access protective security measures through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme.However, between 2016 and the launch of the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme in 2023, Muslim communities were eligible to apply to the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.To protect the integrity of the scheme and ensure the continued safety of vulnerable sites, the Home Office does not publish data on processing of applications or the specific offers made to individual sites. Releasing this information could inadvertently disclose sensitive details about faith communities and their security arrangements.

What estimate she has made of the average length of time for applications to the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme to be determined since that Scheme was established.

The Protective Security for Mosques Scheme receives a high volume of applications, and each is assessed to ensure that public money is used proportionately, fairly, and in line with the Scheme’s eligibility requirements.Processing times can vary depending on application volumes and the circumstances of individual sites. As such, the Home Office does not hold a published estimate of the average length of time for applications to be determined since the Scheme was established.We continue to work to improve the consistency and timeliness of decisions while ensuring that assessments remain proportionate and aligned with value‑for‑money considerations.

What estimate she has made of the average length of time for security measures to be implemented following funding being approved through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme.

The Protective Security for Mosques Scheme provides fully funded protective security measures to eligible mosques and associated community centres across the UK.Implementation timelines under the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme can vary, as they are influenced by a range of operational and site‑specific factors. Once a site has been approved, it is referred to our delivery partners for the necessary survey and subsequent installation activity.In some cases, additional steps may be required before installation can proceed, such as local planning permission or the production of bespoke security equipment tailored to the site. These elements, which sit outside the Home Office’s direct control, can contribute to longer timeframes.

How much funding was provided to Muslim institutions through the (a) Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and (b) Protective Security for Mosques Scheme in each year since they were established.

The Home Office provides protective security for Places of Worship as part of three separate strands. These are the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and protection for Muslim faith schools (since 2023/24), the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant (administered by the Community Security Trust) and the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme (for all other, non-Muslim and non-Jewish, faiths). Prior to 2023/24, the Muslim community were eligible for support under the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme.No funding is provided directly from the Home Office to any place of worship, instead they receive protective security measures funded by the Home Office via contracts or grants.Since the launch of the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, up to the following amounts have been made available. Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and Muslim Faith SchoolsPlaces of Worship Protective Security Scheme2019/20N/A£1.6 million2020/21N/A£3.2 million2021/22N/A£3.5 million2022/23N/A£3.5 million2023/24£29.4 million£3.5 million2024/25£29.4 million£3.5 million2025/26£39.4 million£3.5 million In 2026/27, record funding of up to £73.4 million is being made available to protect faith communities. This includes £40 million through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme and for security at Muslim faith schools, and £5 million for the places of worship and associated faith community centres of all other faiths.

How many organisations have applied for funding through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme in every year since it was established; and of these, how many have been successful in obtaining funding.

Protecting the right of all faith communities to worship in peace and without fear is fundamental. The Government continues to support the police in reviewing threats and strengthening protections for faith communities against terrorism and hate crime.That is why up to £40 million is available through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme in 2026/27. This includes additional funding announced by the Prime Minister of £10 million to further strengthen security at mosques and other Muslim community sites. The scheme provides protective security measures (such as security personnel services, CCTV, intruder alarms and secure perimeter fencing) to mosques, Muslim faith schools and associated Muslim faith community centres.To protect the integrity of the scheme and ensure the continued safety of vulnerable sites, the Home Office does not publish data on processing of applications or the specific offers made to individual sites. Releasing this information could inadvertently disclose sensitive details about faith communities and their security arrangements.

How many mosques, Islamic centres and Muslim community centres have been subject to criminal damage in each of the last 5 years.

The Home Office collects and publishes information on the number of religious hate crimes targeted at Muslims recorded by the police in England and Wales. It is not possible to tell, from the data held centrally, whether or not the offences were committed against mosques, Islamic centres or Muslim community centres.The latest published statistics are available here: Hate crime, England and Wales, year ending March 2025 - GOV.UK

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to Science and Technology Facilities Council funding on the UK’s global position in astronomy and physics research.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. This includes £38.6 billion allocated to UKRI. The overall Government spend on R&D over the next 4 years is £86 billion. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) within UKRI has a flat budget across this period and is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its overall portfolio including in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). The impacts of different modelled scenarios across the broad and diverse range of STFC-funded facilities and programmes (which includes the Jodrell Bank Observatory), will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions. The current level of post-doctoral researchers and flow of PhD students will be maintained across the SR period. DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its specific investment decisions are informed by meaningful engagement with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability, research institutions and international standing.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support early-career researchers funded through the Science and Technology Facilities Council, in the context of funding uncertainty.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. This includes £38.6 billion allocated to UKRI. The overall Government spend on R&D over the next 4 years is £86 billion. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) within UKRI has a flat budget across this period and is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its overall portfolio including in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). The impacts of different modelled scenarios across the broad and diverse range of STFC-funded facilities and programmes (which includes the Jodrell Bank Observatory), will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions. The current level of post-doctoral researchers and flow of PhD students will be maintained across the SR period. DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its specific investment decisions are informed by meaningful engagement with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability, research institutions and international standing.

Whether she plans to review VAT on veterinary services.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for public services, and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations. One of the key considerations for any potential new VAT relief is whether the cost saving is likely to be passed on to consumers. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates, meaning that cutting VAT may not be an effective way to reduce prices for consumers. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances. Since taking office the Government has taken a number of decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the public finances, fund public services, and restore economic stability. This stability is critical to boosting investment and growth, and to making people across the UK better off.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of applying a (a) reduced and (b) zero rate of VAT to essential veterinary (i) treatment and (ii) medicines.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for public services, and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations. One of the key considerations for any potential new VAT relief is whether the cost saving is likely to be passed on to consumers. Evidence suggests that businesses only partially pass on any savings from lower VAT rates, meaning that cutting VAT may not be an effective way to reduce prices for consumers. The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events in the context of the overall public finances. Since taking office the Government has taken a number of decisions on tax, welfare, and spending to fix the public finances, fund public services, and restore economic stability. This stability is critical to boosting investment and growth, and to making people across the UK better off.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to STFC funding on (a) the Jodrell Bank Observatory and (b) other research facilities.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed a record £58.5 billion investment in R&D over the next 4 years. This includes £38.6 billion allocated to UKRI. The overall Government spend on R&D over the next 4 years is £86 billion. The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) within UKRI has a flat budget across this period and is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its overall portfolio including in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics (PPAN). The impacts of different modelled scenarios across the broad and diverse range of STFC-funded facilities and programmes (which includes the Jodrell Bank Observatory), will be considered alongside feedback from the sector when taking final decisions. The current level of post-doctoral researchers and flow of PhD students will be maintained across the SR period. DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its specific investment decisions are informed by meaningful engagement with the scientific research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability, research institutions and international standing.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with Israeli ministers about the annexation of Sebastia in the West Bank.

I refer the Hon. Member to response given on 24 March to question 120656.

Pursuant to her written statement of 2 March 2026 on Asylum changes, what assessment her department has made of the adequacy of the timeline for establishing a Named Community Sponsorship scheme.

In the Restoring Order and Control policy statement, the Government committed to transforming its approach to safe and legal routes. This included the creation of a named sponsorship scheme to enable community groups to sponsor refugees and displaced persons.Work is underway to deliver the named community sponsorship route.Further details, including timeframes for the launch of the route and the volume of beneficiaries, will be set out in due course.

What discussions he has had with energy providers, including Bunch Energy, on improving customer services.

The Government takes the issue of the quality of customer service offered by suppliers very seriously. The Supplier Licence conditions set down by the industry regulator Ofgem require suppliers to meet certain conditions with respect of customer enquiries. These include offering a range of methods to meet the needs of customers, and be available to receive enquiries and offer assistance, guidance, or advice at times that meet the needs of customers. My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State has regular meetings with stakeholders on a range of issues. Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

Pursuant to her written statement of 2 March 2026 on Asylum changes, what the target number of resettlements is under a Named Community Sponsorship scheme.

In the Restoring Order and Control policy statement, the Government committed to transforming its approach to safe and legal routes. This included the creation of a named sponsorship scheme to enable community groups to sponsor refugees and displaced persons.Work is underway to deliver the named community sponsorship route.Further details, including timeframes for the launch of the route and the volume of beneficiaries, will be set out in due course.

Pursuant to her written statement of 2 March 2026 on Asylum changes, by what date her department intends to have operationalised a Named Community Sponsorship scheme for refugee resettlement.

In the Restoring Order and Control policy statement, the Government committed to transforming its approach to safe and legal routes. This included the creation of a named sponsorship scheme to enable community groups to sponsor refugees and displaced persons.Work is underway to deliver the named community sponsorship route.Further details, including timeframes for the launch of the route and the volume of beneficiaries, will be set out in due course.

Whether his Department has made an assessment of trends in the level of workforce retention at Royal Mail since 2022.

I have been clear that Royal Mail’s recent delivery performance has not been good enough. Workforce retention plays an important role in quality of service, as Royal Mail has said itself in the past in response to Ofcom investigations. I met Ofcom on 11 March and raised concerns about Royal Mail’s quality of service. Ofcom is explicit that Royal Mail must publish and deliver a credible improvement plan that results in significant and continuous progress. Royal Mail has committed to do so as soon as possible after its discussions with the Communication Workers’ Union conclude.

Whether he has had discussions with the Communication Workers Union and Royal Mail on proposals to equalise pay, terms and conditions between existing and newly recruited postal workers.

The Secretary of State met Dave Ward, General Secretary of the CWU, and Daniel Křetínský, the owner of EP Group, on 16 February and again on 19 March.The terms and working conditions of Royal Mail employees are the subject of ongoing negotiations between Royal Mail’s management and the Communication Workers’ Union as part of an agreed dispute resolution process. The government is taking a close interest in these negotiations and receives regular updates.However, the implementation of operational models and terms and conditions of employment, are for Royal Mail, as an independent business, to manage in collaboration with its workforce and their representatives.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of current move‑on and eviction notice periods from asylum accommodation on refugee homelessness.

For individuals granted leave to remain, we are committed to successfully transitioning them from asylum accommodation, which is why we have extended the grace period to 42 days, from 28 days. In limited circumstances, the 42 day period can be extended on a discretionary basis. Information on extensions can be found in published guidance on GOV.UK here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ceasing-asylum-support-instructionIn reaching this position, a range of evidence, including key findings from a 56-day pilot evaluation, operational data, and forecasted impacts on the asylum accommodation estate were considered. The Home Office will continue to work closely with our partners to reduce barriers and support effective transitions from asylum accommodation.

Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that local authorities have the resources to activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol promptly and provide sufficient safe accommodation during periods of extreme cold.

Local authorities should plan services which meet the needs of people in their area, which includes planning for periods of extreme cold. The government is providing more than £3.3 billion in homelessness and rough sleeping funding from 2026/27 to 2028/29 through the Local Government Finance Settlement, and councils can use this and their wider settlement to plan and deliver safe accommodation during periods of extreme weather.